Air Force helps foster American, Russian relations

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAMENSKOYE AIRFIELD, Russia (AFPN) --  Stressing the importance of fostering good relations between America and Russia, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander spoke to media at a press conference Aug. 21 at the Moscow International Air Show.

With the aid of a Russian translator, Gen. William T. Hobbins expressed what an honor it was for the Air Force to once again have the opportunity to participate in the air show.

"This is our third time to contribute aircraft to the event, and we've always had fantastic support from our Russian friends," he said.

He remarked on the important milestones both air forces celebrate this year. It's the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force and the 95th anniversary of the Russian Federation Air Forces. Russians and Americans are also commemorating the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

"USAFE's relationship with the (Russian Federation air force) has reached an all-time high over the past year," the general said, telling how he was fortunate enough to visit Russia in August 2006 and fly both the MiG-29 and Su-30 at Lipetsk Air Base. The focus of the visit was to establish open dialogue and friendly relations with Gen.-Col. Aleksandr Zelin, then-first deputy chief of the RFAF.

In March, General Hobbins hosted a reciprocal visit to Germany for Gen.-Col. Zelin at Ramstein Air Base and Spangdahlem AB, when they once again took to the skies together, this time flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

"During both of these visits, we spent considerable time discussing where the future of (U.S. Air Force - Russian air force) relations should go, what our focus areas should be, and at what level engagement should take place," he said. Gen.-Col. Zelin assured him all their proposals would be reviewed by the chief of the Russian Federation air force. A short time later, Gen.-Col. Zelin was chosen by Russian President Vladimir Putin, to fill that position.

"We've already seen positive movement since General Zelin took command," General Hobbins continued. "Our (military-to-military) proposed engagements for the next two calendar years are more focused, and should lead to better interoperability than ever before."

After the press conference, the floor was open to questions.

During his answers, the USAFE commander said he'd like to see the two air forces go forward together.

"There's so much we can learn by flying together and operating together," he said. "Perhaps the true value of our Air Force and the Russian Federation air force is what goes on behind the scenes to keep these aircraft flying."

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